“Okupas” in Europe – how is this social phenomenon dealt with in other European countries?

For years, the squatting movement, known as “okupa”, has known how to invade houses and take possession of them, taking advantage of the legal loopholes in Spain. The problem of squatting is growing in Spain, which is why the most conservative parties promise to implement express evictions within 24 hours, following the example of other European countries such as Germany, where this solution is already in place. In this context, the question arises: how is this social phenomenon dealt with in other European countries?

Germany

In Germany, eviction takes place within 24 hours after the owner becomes aware of the occupation and files a complaint with the police, according to El Economista. German law punishes this offence with prison sentences of up to one year, which can be accompanied by a fine. In case of violence or if the occupation involves a crowd, the penalty could be increased to two years. In addition, it is important to note that if the occupied property is in a bad state after the eviction, the owner is obliged to carry out the necessary renovation works.

United Kingdom

In the UK, squatting is punishable by a maximum penalty of 51 weeks’ imprisonment and fines of up to 5,700 euros. In addition, the police can enter the property to evict if they are suspicious, without the need to obtain judicial authorisation. Landlords have two alternatives: to file a direct complaint for unlawful possession or to complete an “internal possession order” form. Once submitted, if the occupants do not vacate the property within 24 hours, they can be imprisoned.

France

In France, squatting is considered an illegal act and is punishable by up to three years in prison, plus a fine of up to 45,000 euros, according to a law recently passed by the French Parliament. As for the time limits for eviction, if the eviction is carried out in less than 48 hours, the landlord can alert the police, who are authorised to evict the occupants immediately, without the need to obtain permission from a judge. If more time elapses, the landlord must file a complaint and the eviction will be carried out when a judge authorises it, in a quick process.

Italy

In the case of Italy, landlords must file a complaint with the police and a speedy trial will follow, after which the police can proceed with the eviction and removal of the occupants. Squatting is punishable by a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment and a fine ranging from 103 to 1,032 euros, although these penalties can be increased if violence or weapons were used during the eviction.

In Spain, however, the phenomenon, which is growing all the time, is denied by the progressive bloc, which tries to play it down, but has nevertheless tried to protect squatters from the outset, with increasingly lax laws that leave the owner at the mercy of a justice system mired in strikes, disorder and stagnation.